Page 30 of Icing on Top

Get your shit together or this is going to be a long night.

He tried his best to make enough room for me to step inside, but my shoulder still brushed against his chest. Granted, I didn’t really try all that hard to avoid him.

I was pathetic. Was I really so deprived of physical touch that the slightest brush had me sweating like a sinner in church?

“Charlie is brushing her teeth after dinner. She should be done soon,” he explained, leading me into the kitchen.

I had expected granite countertops with stainless steel appliances, a cold and sterile place fit for any other millionaire, but instead, I had stepped into the coziest kitchen I had ever seen. The walls were painted a warm yellow that reflected the setting sun perfectly against the white cabinets, creating a soft glow throughout the space. I could hardly see the fridge underneath a collage of artwork and pictures held up by various magnets. And then I spotted the cookie jar in the shape of a goose perched on the countertop. Its porcelain face just begged me to fill it with delicious goodies.

Jeremiah placed my bag on the island that claimed the center of the room. All of the ingredients I’d requested were already laid out and ready to go. I was mentally taking stock when I felt a small, but solid nudge against my ankle. Looking down for the culprit, I was surprised to find a black and white ball of fluff with two large ears staring up at me.

“You have a pet bunny?”

Jeremiah followed my gaze, the small rabbit having apparently snuck up on him as well. I suppose those furry feet made it easy for her to hop around unnoticed.

“That’s Delilah,” he explained. “Normally she’s fairly timid around new people, so I’m surprised she isn’t hiding out in Charlie’s room.”

She sat up on her haunches, little front paws hanging in front of her as her tiny nose wiggled so fast that I would hyperventilate if I tried to do the same. I desperately wanted to pet her, but I also didn’t want to spook her. Bunnies were prey animals after all.

“So she just runs around the house?” I asked.

“Yeah, for the most part. She stays in Charlie's room when we’re gone, and at night since it’s bunny-proofed, but otherwise she’s free to roam wherever.”

“Bunny-proofed?”

Baby-proofing a house, I understood. I’d helped Jada and Levi put outlet covers in and locks on all of their cabinets before Bash could even roll over.

“She may be small, but those little teeth can chew through cords in one bite. She’s also taken some nibbles out of the trim here and there.” He tilted his head to one side. “At least she’s litter-trained, though.”

I stared at the little puff in awe. “Wow. I didn’t know you could do that.”

“She’s good about it for the most part.” He held up a finger. “But if you see what looks like a Cocoa Puff, do not pick it up. It is not a Cocoa Puff.”

Delilah dropped back down to all fours and thumped her back foot against the hardwood before turning and sprinting out of the room.

“I guess she doesn’t like you talking about her bathroom habits,” I teased.

Jeremiah grinned at me, but then it was gone just as quick as it came, and he turned to open the fridge behind him. Odd.

A much louder set of feet came pattering down the hallway, and then Charlie slid into the kitchen. “Coach Zo!”

“Hey, Charlie girl.” I grinned. “Ready to get baking?”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

She vibrated with excitement as she joined me on the other side of the island, barely tall enough to see over the edge of the counter.

“Here.” Jeremiah brought a step stool over for her.

She gripped the edge of the light wood as she stepped up, but I still held my hand out just in case she started to wobble.

“There. Much better,” I said with a smile.

We worked together to unpack the bag I’d brought and laid everything out for easy access. What I wouldn’t give to have this much counterspace at home.

“Anything I can help with?” Jeremiah checked in.

“Do you have a large mixing bowl by chance?”